Crisis and Resilience Fund

From 1 April 2026, the UK Government will introduce a new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which will replace the current Household Support Fund. The CRF will run for three years and is there to help residents who face sudden financial shocks or unexpected changes in their circumstances.

Alongside providing immediate help in difficult moments, the fund is also designed to strengthen financial security for people on low incomes. This means supporting residents to cope better with unexpected costs so fewer reach a crisis point. As part of the programme, councils are encouraged to invest in services that help build financial resilience. This refers to a person’s ability to manage and recover from setbacks such as a sudden drop in income or an unexpected bill. Strengthening financial resilience helps people handle future challenges more confidently and reduces the need for crisis support in the long term.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is Government funding for local authorities in England to:

• Support people facing a financial shock, such as a sudden loss of income or an unexpected essential cost
• Help prevent people from reaching crisis point
• Reduce repeated reliance on emergency support by strengthening financial resilience

Unlike the short-term extensions of the Household Support Fund, the CRF provides a three-year settlement, giving councils more certainty to plan support. National guidance states that help should be based on need and delivered in the most accessible way for each individual.

What the fund can be used for

Under Government guidance, the CRF can be used to provide immediate support with essential costs and to help residents build longer-term stability. This may include:

• Financial help during an immediate crisis or financial shock
• Support with essential living costs such as food, energy or household essentials
• Assistance to prevent housing insecurity
• Investment in advice, income maximisation and debt support

Councils decide the exact schemes and eligibility criteria, in line with the guidance.

What this means for Wokingham Borough residents

Wokingham Borough Council has confirmed that funding through the CRF is lower than previous Household Support Fund allocations, meaning it will not stretch as far as in recent years. The council will therefore need to prioritise support carefully to ensure it reaches those with the greatest need.

Further details about how the CRF will operate locally – including eligibility, how to apply and the role of partner organisations – will be shared once arrangements are finalised.

Apply for support

As part of the application process, you will need to provide your National Insurance number, bank details, details of income and expenditure, and upload proof of ID, proof of address and copies of bank statements. After you apply, the council’s welfare and benefits team will respond within five working days.

Apply for the Crisis and Resilience Fund

Other sources of support

If you are struggling, other help may also be available:

• Council Tax discounts or exemptions if you are having difficulty paying
• Housing Payments if Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not cover your full rent 
• Local Welfare Provision
• Business rates support for eligible local businesses
• Free school meals for children who meet the criteria
• A range of advice and support on our Cost of Living page
• Citizens Advice Wokingham offers help with benefits, debt, housing and more — call 0808 278 7958, Monday to Friday